TL;DR: Computer science jobs are growing fast — the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 317,700 openings each year through 2034, with a median salary more than double the national average. The best part is you don’t need a four-year degree to break into the industry. This guide covers five in-demand roles you can train for today — software developer, data analyst, cybersecurity analyst, UX designer, and cloud engineer — including what each job involves, what you can expect to earn, and how to get started through bootcamps, online courses, and certifications.
If you’re thinking about switching careers or starting fresh in tech, you’ve probably asked yourself: Is it worth it? The short answer is yes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and IT jobs will grow much faster than average over the next decade, creating about 317,700 openings every year. The median salary for these roles hit $105,990 in 2024 — more than double the $49,500 national average.
But here’s what might surprise you: you don’t need a traditional computer science degree to land many of these jobs. Skills-first hiring is on the rise. According to General Assembly’s State of Tech Talent 2025 report, the number of HR leaders likely to prioritize certifications and non-degree education has tripled in just two years. Employers care more about what you can do than where you learned to do it.
So which roles are actually accessible? Let’s dig into five computer science jobs you can start training for today — no CS degree required.
1. Software developer
What you’ll do
Software developers design, build, and maintain the applications we use every day — from mobile apps and websites to enterprise tools and operating systems. You’ll write code, troubleshoot bugs, collaborate with designers and product managers, and turn user needs into working software. It’s a creative job that blends problem-solving with technical skills. (Indeed)
What you can earn
Entry-level software developers typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 per year, depending on location and tech stack. PayScale reports an average of $70,454 for developers with less than one year of experience, while Glassdoor’s data shows an average closer to $99,000. The BLS reports a median salary of $133,080 for experienced developers, with employment projected to grow 15% through 2034.
How to get started
You can learn to code through bootcamps, online courses, or self-study. Languages like JavaScript, Python, and Java are solid starting points. What matters most is building a portfolio of real projects that show what you can do. According to Noble Desktop, “you don't need a college degree in computer science to get a job as a Full Stack Developer — you can enter the field with an unrelated degree or with no degree at all.” Certifications in specific technologies like AWS or Google Cloud can also help you stand out.
2. Data analyst
What you’ll do
Data analysts help organizations make sense of their numbers. You’ll collect and clean data, spot trends and patterns, build dashboards and visualizations, and translate complex findings into insights that drive business decisions. It’s a role that sits at the intersection of statistics, technology, and communication. (Indeed)
What you can earn
Entry-level data analysts earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, with significant room for growth. CareerFoundry reports a range of $49,000 to $87,000 for entry-level positions. According to Robert Half’s 2025 report, data analysts rank among the top 15% of in-demand tech roles, and companies are willing to pay more for data skills.
How to get started
Start by learning SQL — it’s the foundation for working with databases and essential for almost every data role. From there, add Excel (or Google Sheets), a visualization tool like Tableau or Power BI, and some Python or R for analysis. The Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a popular starting point, and many employers accept it as proof of job-ready skills. You can become job-ready in three to six months with focused study.
3. Cybersecurity analyst
What you’ll do
Cybersecurity analysts protect organizations from digital threats. You’ll monitor networks for suspicious activity, install and manage security tools like firewalls and encryption, investigate breaches when they happen, and run vulnerability assessments to find weak spots before attackers do. As cyberattacks become more sophisticated, this role has become critical across every industry. (BLS)
What you can earn
Entry-level cybersecurity analysts earn between $60,000 and $80,000 per year. PayScale data shows an average of $70,828 for analysts with less than one year of experience. The BLS reports a median salary of $124,910 for experienced professionals, with employment projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034 — one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.
How to get started
Certifications carry a lot of weight in cybersecurity. CompTIA Security+ is the most recognized entry-level certification and a common requirement for junior roles. According to Cybersecurity Guide, you can prepare for it through online courses and practice exams in a few months. From there, hands-on experience through labs, capture-the-flag competitions, or home lab projects will help you stand out.4. UX designer
What you’ll do
UX (user experience) designers focus on making products easy and enjoyable to use. You’ll conduct user research to understand what people need, create wireframes and prototypes, design user flows, and run usability tests to see how real people interact with your designs. It’s a field that blends psychology, visual design, and technical understanding. (Indeed)
What you can earn
Entry-level UX designers typically earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, though this varies significantly by location. Eleken reports junior UX designer salaries around $89,000-$90,000, while Glassdoor data shows an overall range of $78,000 to $125,000. The role is in demand across tech companies, agencies, and increasingly in healthcare, finance, and other industries going digital.
How to get started
Your portfolio matters more than your credentials in UX. Start by learning the fundamentals of user research and design thinking through courses like the Google UX Design Professional Certificate. Then get comfortable with industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. Build case studies that walk through your design process from problem to solution — employers want to see how you think, not just your final designs. Most UX professionals don’t have formal university degrees in the field; it’s relatively new, and portfolios speak louder than diplomas.
5. Cloud engineer
What you’ll do
Cloud engineers design, deploy, and manage the cloud infrastructure that modern businesses run on. You’ll work with platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud to set up servers, manage databases, automate deployments, and ensure systems stay secure and cost-efficient. As more companies move their operations to the cloud, this role has become essential. (Skima)
What you can earn
Cloud engineers command some of the highest entry-level salaries in tech, typically ranging from $90,000 to $120,000. Glassdoor reports an average salary around $128,000 for cloud engineers overall. According to Campus.edu, certifications in AWS or Azure are directly tied to higher salary tiers, and Robert Half’s research lists cloud engineers among the most in-demand tech roles.
How to get started
Cloud engineering typically requires some foundational IT or programming knowledge before you specialize. Start by learning Linux basics and networking fundamentals. Then pick a cloud platform to focus on — AWS is the market leader, but Azure and Google Cloud are also widely used. The AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification is a good starting point, with the Solutions Architect Associate certification as a logical next step.
How to choose the right path for you
With five solid options, how do you know which one’s right for you? Start by thinking about how you naturally approach problems and what kind of work environment sounds appealing.
Software development is a good fit if you enjoy breaking down complex problems into smaller, logical steps. You’ll spend most of your time writing and debugging code, often working independently or in small teams. It suits people who like seeing tangible results from their work: you write code, and something happens. The learning curve is steep at first, but the creative freedom is high once you've built your skills.
Data analysis works well for people who are naturally curious about the “why” of things: why sales dropped last quarter, why certain customers churn, why one marketing campaign outperformed another. You’ll spend time cleaning messy data, building spreadsheets and dashboards, and presenting findings to non-technical colleagues. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with numbers but also enjoy communicating insights to people who aren’t.
Cybersecurity appeals to people with a detail-oriented, investigative mindset. You’ll need to think like an attacker to defend against them, which means staying current on new threats and vulnerabilities. The work can be high-stakes. When something goes wrong, you’re the one fixing it. But it’s also deeply satisfying for people who like protecting things and solving puzzles under pressure.
UX design is the most people-focused role on this list. You’ll spend significant time talking to users, observing how they interact with products, and advocating for their needs. It suits people who are empathetic, visually inclined, and comfortable with ambiguity, design problems rarely have one “right” answer. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a confusing app or website and thought “I could make this better,” UX might be your path.
Cloud engineering is best for people who like working with systems and infrastructure rather than end-user features. You’ll focus on reliability, scalability, and efficiency, making sure applications run smoothly even when millions of people use them at once. It’s a good fit if you enjoy automation, don’t mind being on-call occasionally, and prefer working behind the scenes rather than on the front end.
Still not sure? Skillcrush offers a free “Is Tech Right for You?” quiz that can help you identify which tech career aligns with your strengths and interests.
And remember: you don't have to pick perfectly on your first try. Many tech professionals move between related roles as their interests evolve. A data analyst might shift into data engineering. A UX designer might learn front-end development. The skills you build in one area often transfer to others, so think of your first role as a starting point, not a lifelong commitment.
Ready to get started?
The tech industry is more accessible than ever. You don’t need to go back to school for four years or take on massive debt to build marketable skills. What you do need is a clear starting point and the willingness to learn.
Skillcrush’s Free Coding Camp is a great first step. You’ll get hands-on experience with real code, explore what it’s actually like to work in tech, and figure out which path makes sense for you, all without spending a dime. It’s a low-pressure way to test the waters and see if a tech career is right for you.
Sign up for the Free Coding Camp today and take your first step toward a new career in tech.Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree to get a computer science job?
Not necessarily. While some specialized roles like research scientist positions require advanced degrees, many in-demand computer science jobs are open to candidates without traditional credentials. Skills-first hiring is growing — according to General Assembly’s 2025 report, 18% of HR professionals now prioritize certifications and bootcamp education for roles in software engineering, data analytics, and UX design. Employers care about what you can do, so building a strong portfolio and earning relevant certifications can be just as valuable as a degree.
What's the fastest way to break into tech?
Data analyst and software developer roles tend to have the most accessible entry points. You can build job-ready skills in three to six months through a focused bootcamp or self-study program. Cybersecurity also offers relatively quick entry with the right certifications. The key is choosing a specific path, building practical skills, and creating work samples that demonstrate what you can do.
Is it too late to switch to tech in my 30s or 40s?
Not at all. Career changers bring valuable transferable skills like project management, communication, problem-solving, and industry expertise that many entry-level candidates lack. Research from the American Institute for Economic Research found an 82% success rate for career changers 45 and older. The tech industry needs diverse perspectives — your previous experience is an asset, not a liability. For more on this topic, check out Skillcrush’s guide on getting started in tech after 40.
How much can I earn in an entry-level tech role?
Entry-level salaries vary by role and location, but tech jobs generally pay well above the national median wage of $49,500. Here’s what you can expect: software developers typically start between $70,000 and $100,000; data analysts earn $50,000 to $75,000; cybersecurity analysts start around $60,000 to $80,000; UX designers earn $60,000 to $80,000; and cloud engineers have the highest entry-level range at $90,000 to $120,000. All of these roles offer significant salary growth as you gain experience.
Which computer science jobs have the best growth outlook?
Cybersecurity and data science top the growth charts. The BLS projects 29% growth for information security analysts and 34% growth for data scientists through 2034 — both much faster than average. Software developers, cloud engineers, and UX designers also show strong demand as companies continue digital transformation. AI-related roles are emerging as the newest high-growth area, with skills in machine learning and AI governance increasingly sought after.
